Loading expertise needed !

[SkippersMinnow]

Hello all, I had my boat out for the first time two weeks ago, and had some trouble getting it on the trailer due to wind...and nerves. Any input on using the guides that mount on the side or the trailer?? Would they help get it on the tralier faster or easier?? I see alot of guys power loading, and I have ZERO confidence to do that. Also any advice on how much of the bunk shuold be showing when the trailer is backed in the water?? I had a foot showing above the water just to give myself something to aim for.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[aerwin]

Re: Loading expertise needed !

I don't trust my wife to power load it so I have someone get out on the dock with a rope, I back in up to the hitch, I have a high trailer, and pull the boat on with the rope, never any problems, just make sure the passengers are centered in the boat to keep it level on the trailer, sise to side

 

[Ross J]

Re: Loading expertise needed !

Side guides, I can't praise them enough. I have them and they come well over the top of the deck. They also carry my lights and reg plate so I don't have to worry about disconnecting them!<br />The side guides have totally done away with any trouble retrieving the boat in cross currents and/or winds. Once the bow is resting on the first roller I hold the winch wire tight and take up the slack with the winch. Then as I winch the boat up the side guides rub gently on the boat keeping it centered. I've never missed yet.<br />Good luck<br />Ross

 

[Finger Lakes Boater]

Re: Loading expertise needed !

SkippersMinnow,<br /><br />We just moved up 50% in boat length and from a roller trailer to a bunk. I was SERIOUSLY concerned about power loading, but got an excellent lesson from my boat dealer and advice from these boards. I back in to wet the whole bunk, and then pull out til about a foot is out of the water (and the fenders are just submerged). I start a couple of boat lengths out, engage the gear to get moving (how long I keep it powered depends on wind), get lined up on the centerline, and drift onto the bunks. They do an excellent jog of self centering the boat, and I end up a foot or so from the roller. Into gear again to snug up to the roller, then lean over the bow and hook up. <br /><br />Only really scary the first couple of times. You'll be surprised how quickly you get the hang of it (and how much time it saves you at the ramp!)

 

[SkippersMinnow]

Re: Loading expertise needed !

Finger Lakes Boater !!, thats what I would like to do is keep my time to a minimum on the ramp so others don't have to wait while I do my thing. Thought some vets would advise on what type of guides work best so I can get it up there on the first try.

 

[Ranger354]

Re: Loading expertise needed !

Skipper,<br /><br />Without seeing your rig it is hard for me to tell you what kind of bumpers would work best. Some trailers are not designed to drive on. I prefer the low profile myself. You don't need much. Just remember that if your trailer is too far in the water you are wasting your time.<br /><br />Whichever you choose, go to the ramp on a weekday and practice. This will help you and others waitng on you at the ramp on the busy weekends.

 

[Finger Lakes Boater]

Re: Loading expertise needed !

Ranger's got the right idea. We went on an early season weekday, and had the ramp to ourselves for a couple hours. By the time we loaded up, I felt confident I could perform for a crowd the next time. <br /><br />I think a key consideration will be to experiment at how much bunk to leave out of the water. Too little, and you could end up bonking the roller (and hull!). Too much and you can't power up high enough. In terms of guiding it, boat centerline and roller should be enough to line it up. Well constructed bunks will provide self centering if you are in the neighborhood with the prow. <br /><br />Good luck and have fun!

 

[crab bait]

Re: Loading expertise needed !

the guides that ROSS talked about ,,, ditto for me .. ilove 'em... i back in just so the boat can float/rest on the rear metal cross member.. the guides act as a pivot.. just get the nose in an the guides,,it does the rest,, wether it's current or wind.. as to what kind .... get what your local shops have ... i stay away from the hollow pvc ones....to flimsy..

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Loading expertise needed !

I have dealt with both the bunk type guides and the simple 48" pvc guide tubes. The bunk guides are great (you can also use roller guides) because they give you 4-5 feet to align properly. Right now I have the pvc guides but I am going to convert to the 5 foot side bunks AND retain the pvc guides. The pvc guides help in breezy conditions but the bunks are better.<br /><br />When I launch (and retrieve)I go just deep enough to back the boat off under it's own power. I usually reference this point on my trailer fenders. Then I align and crank her up. (IF you have any rollers on the trailer---Keep them Greased helps allot)<br /><br />Bob